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Saints select UCLA TE Matavao in seventh round

Apr 26, 2025 | 7:03 PM

By Ross Jackson

METAIRIE, La. – The New Orleans Saints began their seventh round by bringing a new pass catcher to the Big Easy.

With the No. 248 overall selection in this year’s NFL Draft, the Saints selected UCLA tight end Moliki Matavao, a big-bodied pass-catching tight end that has been a willing blocker showing a ton of effort in that area of the game.

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With 50 games played in his four-year career between UCLA and Oregon, Matavao didn’t get a ton of opportunities in the passing game until last year. In 2024, he tallied 41 receptions, 506 receiving yards and a pair of touchdown catches.

While the receiving totals may not jump off the statsheet, what it shows is that with 50 games of experience, he will arrive in New Orleans as a more polished blocker than most rookie tight ends. That’s something that typically halts the development and fit of the position’s ability to transition to the next level. Matavao may be a step ahead in that phase, but will have to prove that he can continue to contribute as a receiver as well.

The 6-foot-5, 260-pound tight end led UCLA in receiving yards last year and will arrive in New Orleans ready to work and improve his game with Saints’ tight end coach Chase Haslett.

“He’s a straight shooter, and that’s what I appreciate in coaches,” Matavao told reporters in his media availability. “You know that he doesn’t beat around the bush. He told me what I needed to work on, and you know that he’s gonna be able to help me with that.”

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